Time Timer Guide for Occupational Therapy

Time Timer®

The Time Timer® visual timer is an innovative, simple time management tool designed to “show” the passage of time through the use of a patented red disk. As time elapses, the colored disk disappears

Time Timer® in Occupational Therapy

A clear visual representation of time can help individuals better understand and manage their daily routines. Time management is crucial for various aspects of daily life and functional skills, this is why Time Timer visual timers are such an important tool. When incorporating the Time Timer into occupational therapy, it is essential to assess each client’s specific needs and tailor its use accordingly. A Time Timer visual timer can be a valuable aid in developing time-related skills, fostering independence, and improving the overall quality of life for clients.

Jen O’Brien, Occupational Therapist

“I think the best part for me when utilizing (the Time Timer) with kids with all different special needs is the visual component… it is hard for younger kids to understand something abstract like time, so having a dial slowly fade out is helpful to understand time.”

See full video and learn more at timetimer.com/specialneeds.

1

Protect Autonomy and Independence

• Support Decision Making: “You have 5 minutes to decide what shirt you want to wear today.”

• Independent Transtions: “When the timer is up, it is time to move to the next activity.”

• Self-Regulation: Teach clients to self-regulate by using a visual timer for periods of work and rest.

2

Enhance Therapy Sessions

• Time specific activities during a session to keep yourself and your client on track.

• Ease transitions by setting the timer for the last 10 minutes of a session.

• Make the passage of time concrete while working 1:1 with clients.

3

Support Temporal Context

• Build daily routines to establish a better understanding of the rythm of the day.

• Give clients the ability to visually see the duration of activities.

• Create visual schedules in addition to using a Time Timer to further support routines.

Suggested Products for Occupational Therapy

While all Time Timer® products are designed to meet the needs of an Occupational Therapist, here are few suggestions to get started.

Time Timer PLUS 20 Minute (cover image – 60-Min. in white)

The Time Timer PLUS 20 Minute is perfect for shorter duration activities during therapy session. Occupational Therapists use the Time Timer to manage transitions, allocate time for specific activities, and incorporate breaks.

Time Timer MOD + Dry Erase Board (pictured: Dreamsicle Orange)

See the full line of Time Timer products at timetimer.com/products.

The Original Time Timer® was invented by Jan Rogers in 1994 as a solution to help her young daughter understand the abstract concept of time and ease the stress associated with transitioning from one activity to the next. Since then, people from all walks of life, various areas of expertise, from all around the globe, have told us all the ways they use Time Timer products. The Time Timer Guide series is intended to share the breadth of knowledge that our loyal users have shared with us over the years.

Have ideas of your own that you would like to share? Email us at yourstory@timetimer.com or follow us on social media!

The Time Timer MOD + Dry Erase Board empowers individuals by giving the ability to track schedules, tasks, and routines in proximity of the Time Timer. This versatile tool can be used with clients to help Occupational Therapists keep sessions focused and on track. #makeeverymomentcount #timetimeraroundtheworld

Time Timer believes in creating products that truly help people of all ages and abilities conquer time. While time can be a challenge for everyone, we aim to provide intuitive and innovative solutions that make a real difference.